Some new pictures (from the party) on my Yahoo! page.

7/9/04: Party @ Glas Kat. Happy Birthday! to Milly and Christina. The dinner before the party was delicious and Curious George provided good dinner conversation (you had to be there). I started out intending to stay only for dinner and head back so that I could get an early start on doing papers over the shortened weekend. Once the party began, everyone was pulled one way, then another, then another...by random people pulling at them to scream "Hi! How are you?!" and other such pleasantries. Wave after wave of people I had not seen in who knows how long, I ended up staying for the entire thing (I assume it was over when Security rushed us out of the Monster Room. However, I'm sure some continued to dance on through till later). I found it very relieving to discover that many people were doing quite well (as I suspected, but it is good to verify they are). I even danced a little (a miracle since I have not been able to handle large crowds due to you know what for awhile). Anyway, got back at about 3 a.m. (slept while I was driving...again) and instead of crashing, watched a taped version of the new Stargate SG-1 episode (not bad..hehe). Went to bed about 5:30 a.m. and woke up late...ah...it felt like college all over again.

7/8/04: Had BBQ/dinner at Jennifer's new place in Orangevale. It was nice having what Jennifer said was "adult" conversation. However, I do find that most of that same conversation dealt with our jobs. But, that is to be expected. Every time I am in the midst of teachers (be it at school, at a party, etc.) the conversation usually turns to something about our jobs, whether it be the kids, the system, certain other teachers, etc. I find that I am finally accepting the fact that that happens all the time and not by some fluke. It is also clear that the other teachers that are there do not mind talking shop. It goes with the territory, as they say. And, the conversation did not begin and end with education or teaching. There was much about exercising, vacation, readings, and a whole slew of other topics. Thanx to Jen's husband Terry for some fine bbq (the chicken was very good!). By the time we left, nearly 5 hours had gone by in the space of a heartbeat. It must be reiterrated: It is good to have "adult" conversation.